Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity and addressed the nation. In his speech, he highlighted the government's commitment to national unity which is evident in their work and initiatives. He also mentioned the success of Aadhaar and its impact on India being recognized by the world.
National Unity Day: A Celebration of India's Unity
National Unity Day, observed annually on October 31, commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. This day serves as a testament to Patel's legacy and the importance of preserving India's unity and integrity.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and National Integration
Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and the subsequent integration of the princely states into the newly formed Union of India. He is known as the "Iron Man of India" for his unwavering determination and leadership skills.
After independence, Patel embarked on the arduous task of unifying India's diverse regions and religions. He successfully integrated over 550 princely states into the Indian Union through negotiations, diplomacy, and sometimes through force. This extraordinary achievement laid the foundation for a strong and unified India.
National Unity Day Celebrations
On National Unity Day, various events and programs are organized across the country to commemorate Patel's legacy and promote national unity. These events include:
Prime Minister Modi's Address and the Government's Commitment
On National Unity Day 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Statue of Unity. In his speech, he highlighted the government's commitment to national unity through its various initiatives, including:
Top 5 FAQs on National Unity Day
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Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
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In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.
The cyber crime division of Bengaluru South has registered a case against Ateeq Shariff and the administrator of 'Mangalore Muslims' for posting derogatory content against one of the judges of the Karnataka High Court hearing the hijab case. The judge in question is part of a three-judge bench formed after Muslim girls were denied entry to college for wearing hijab. This comes amidst tension and communal strife over the government order banning certain clothing on educational campuses.